Confession of a Mechanic: I Think Machinery Conspires Against Us

I once had two combines 20 miles apart develop identical problems with their computerized controls on the same day. I'd never seen that particular error code before, never seen those symptoms, and haven’t run across that problem since. 

Ultimately, both problems were traced to loose electrical connectors at a specific position sensor. The connectors looked like they were plugged together correctly, but needed a good squeeze to click and lock them back into a solid connection. 

I've had a similar situation happen before, where two (or three, or four) machines suddenly develop the same problem within a few hours, or maybe within a day or two, of each other. They're miles apart, the operators don't know each other, and there's no logical explanation why machines dozens of miles apart suddenly develop identical mechanical or electrical problems.

My only conclusion is that machines can secretly talk to each other via some sort of long-distance mechanical telepathy. Every night while we sleep they commune with each other, and decide which mechanics and farmers they're going to make miserable the next day.

I think my name is toward the top of their nightly list of people to torment. 

Read More from Dan:

Moisture is the Enemy of Farm Machinery

5 Guarantees When Working on Machinery

Planter Oil Leaks: Common Causes and Fixes

A Few Useful “Pocket Tools” for Planting

Closing Thoughts on Modern Planters